Lawmakers are still pushing back on USDA’s reorganization plan

More than 20 lawmakers have written Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, warning the plan could go sideways for farmers. They argue Congress was left in the dark and warn any future moves out of the Beltway would be a mistake.

The group of 23 lawmakers who wrote USDA leadership were all democrats, but some Republicans, like Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, also took issue with the roll out. He says that USDA only came to the table after the fact, leaving lawmakers little time to digest the information.

Related Stories
China’s renewed purchases signal improving sorghum demand at a time when export markets are otherwise uneven. Meanwhile, agriculture groups across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico want to protect close trade relations.
Pressure on grain storage capacity and stronger export positioning are pushing more grain onto railroads, highways, and river systems as logistics become a key bottleneck this fall.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one within 200 miles of the U.S. border, are adding pressure to livestock markets and trade decisions.
Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist
USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
Cotton demand depends on demonstrating performance and reliability buyers can rely on, not messaging alone.
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.